The HPA & Stress

During this process of preparing to fight or flee, the HPA works very hard to maintain an appropriate balance of stress hormones and other brain/chemicals as it orchestrates fighting or fleeing. The Fight-Flight response is designed to be used as needed but not to be sustained over time. Studies have shown that when alcohol is added to this mix, the body is put at even greater risk for harm, because not only is alcohol toxic to the brain, it triggers the release of even higher amounts of cortisol. This alters the brain’s chemistry and ‘resets’ what the body considers ‘normal.’ Unfortunately, alcohol also prevents the body from returning to its initial balance point, so it must set a new point of physiological functioning known as allostasis. The setting of a new balance point puts wear and tear on the body and increases the risk of serious disease.